Oklahoma, like many midwestern states, takes the Second Amendment right to bear arms very seriously, with over half of all households reporting there is a firearm in the home. However, if you are convicted of a felony offense in the Sooner state, you’ll find that, along with other rights, your right to bear arms is revoked. As such, if you are found in possession of a firearm following your felony conviction, you can face intense penalties. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why working with an Oklahoma City gun crime lawyer is imperative during these difficult times.
If I’m Charged With a Felony, Can I Own a Firearm?
Despite the gun-friendly environment of Oklahoma and the right to bear arms as protected by the Second Amendment, it’s important to understand that once you are convicted of a felony offense, you will relinquish the right to own and carry a firearm.
This law is prohibited for a number of reasons, but mainly because the government feels as though those who cannot abide by the laws should not be trusted to own a weapon. This is especially true for those who are convicted of violent crimes, as they could pose a threat to the public if they could legally purchase a firearm.
It’s important to understand that it’s not only illegal for a felon to purchase and possess a firearm; the vendor responsible for providing the firearm can also face criminal charges.
While some states may allow those with non-violent felonies to apply for the right to own a firearm, this is not true in Oklahoma. The state specifically notes that anyone convicted of any felony offense within the United States is expressly prohibited from owning a firearm unless they have been given a full pardon by the Governor or President. As such, regardless of the felony charge against you in Oklahoma, you cannot possess a firearm.
What Happens If I’m Found in Possession of a Firearm as a Felon?
If you are found with a weapon on your person as a convicted felon, you can face serious charges. Generally, this is a felony crime in and of itself, carrying a minimum of two years in jail. However, if your prior felony offense was violent, this increases to ten years behind bars. In addition to time spent in jail, you can face up to $10,000 in fines for this offense.
You should know that this also applies to constructive possession. This means if you are found in a home that has a firearm, even if it is not on your person, you can be charged. As such, you should do everything you can to avoid being in this position.
A felony conviction can have intense impacts on your life and make subsequent crimes even more severe. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney from the Jones Firm, PLLC as soon as possible. We understand how complicated these issues can be, which is why it’s imperative to connect with a member of our team as soon as possible. When you’re in legal trouble, we can help.
